August 14, 2012

teach & inspire...

Creating teacher gifts and cards takes on a whole new meaning as I see my little one blossom and grow in amazing ways with each new teacher she has. I am so thankful for them and for the way they love and teach her. The new Teach & Inspire stamp set is just as special as all of those amazing teachers we've all encountered throughout our lives. Today the Papertrey Ink team is highlighting this new set, so let's get started.

This first project is a mini file folder created from Kraft cardstock and the Edgers #5 die collection. I stapled the sides to form a pocket where I could stash some fun treats Sierra made just for her teacher....you'll love them...she loves them. Keep reading :)

I stamped the sentiment in True Black ink and embellished the front of the file folder with patterned paper, Harvest Gold Swiss Dot, die cut flowers, Simply Chartreuse felt, and a die cut, stamped apple...both from the new Teach & Inspire stamp set. The apple is stamped in Pure Poppy and New Leaf ink and was cut from Kraft cardstock.

The sentiments in this set just shine...I love them. I die cut glitter tape from Freckled Fawn to dress up the file folder tab a bit and added a stamped Tiny Tag and metal paper clip.

I filled small glassine bags with Sierra's handmade treats and slipped them inside the file folder. A couple of tags were created to embellish the bags a bit. One uses the Teacher's Apple coordinating die used before and the second uses the Tiny Tag die.

Oh, and here are her little masterpieces! We melted down some of her old crayons to form heart-shaped crayons. I think they're darling. I found that by keeping the colors in the same color group made for much cuter hearts...too many colors mixed together and the hearts turned out brownish, blackish. If you want to try some on your own, just break crayons into small pieces (I used scissors and it made it so much easier) then drop the pieces into silicone heart shaped muffin tins, pop them in the oven at 250 degrees for about 10 minutes. Cool them for about 10 minutes and then place them in the freezer for another 5 minutes.

Next up is a card which uses several images from this set. I began with the stamped images across the bottom in Harvest Gold and Spring Moss. Background Basics: Herringbone was stamped across the top in Spring Moss.

Next came the Fabulous Frame die cut from denim paper and matted onto patterned paper. The tree is stamped in Classic Kraft, Harvest Gold, and Pure Poppy, with the sentiment stamped in Dark Chocolate. The banner across the bottom was created with the Tiny Tags die, Modern Alphabet Lower, and images from this fun set.

A teacher name tag peeks up from the top and a bit of washi tape from Freckled Fawn secures the corners.

I have spent 36 years in the teaching profession - either teaching or in supervision. This year, I will retire. All of these lovely projects tug on my heart strings. Watching children learn and grow is one of the most beautiful experiences one can have.
You are so inspiring, Melissa.

Kudos to you for including your creative little girl in this project for her teacher. I know the teacher will enjoy the gifts all the more because of the little hands that helped make it! I certainly enjoy looking at all of the beautiful details you incorporate into your projects. Thanks for the smiles and inspiration.